The New England Patriots have been without star linebacker Robert Spillane since the team returned from their bye week in Week 14 due to an ankle injury. It forced him to miss the last three games, and he’s been unable to participate in practices during this stretch.
With the playoffs quickly approaching, it would be ideal for Spillane to return as soon as possible. However, it would be most beneficial for him to continue his recovery to be in a better health state for the playoffs rather than pushing himself to play in the regular season finale against the Miami Dolphins.
During his weekly radio interview on WEEI’s The Greg Hill Show on Friday morning, Spillane said that he’s looking to get on the field for Week 18 on Sunday.
“I’m fired up. Every day I come in here looking to get back on the field, preparing," Spillane said. "I think we’re progressing in the right direction. I can’t wait to get back out there and be a help to these guys on Sunday.”
Patriots Head Coach Rules Out Top Linebacker For Week 18 Finale
However, just a few hours later, head coach Mike Vrabel announced during his press conference that Spillane will be out for Week 18. This makes it four consecutive games following the bye week in which Spillane has not been available to play. It’s worth mentioning that he did return to practice on Friday for the first time in weeks, though, so perhaps fans are not that far off from seeing him on the field again.
During the last three games without Spillane, it was Jack Gibbens who stepped up valiantly in his place to lead the defense by wearing the Green Dot. He’s accumulated 24 tackles, three of which were for a loss, and one sack. He led the defense by playing 100 percent of the snaps in Weeks 15 and 16 and likely would have in Week 17 if it wasn’t a blowout victory for New England.
This is not lost on Spillane, as the linebacker made sure to mention how well Gibbens has played in his spot, saying that he’s a “Green Dot linebacker” and is deserving of the time he’s getting on the field.
“Jack Gibbens has gone in there and been a true Green Dot linebacker, and he’s shown that he is deserving of that role," Spillane said. "I’m proud of how guys have really stepped up and shown themselves.”
Spillane is an essential part of the Patriots' defensive plans. In his first season, he was voted a team captain and is the leading tackler on the team (97) despite not playing since Week 13. Having him as fresh as possible for the playoffs is the plan now moving forward, and it is the right plan at that.
It’s worth mentioning that the Patriots already ruled out a handful of players for Sunday’s game, with the team rightfully doing everything to prepare for their opening-round playoff game at Gillette Stadium. Along with Spillane, Harold Landry, Khyiris Tonga, and Jared Wilson have also been ruled out.
For a team looking to bring New England its first Super Bowl title since 2019, bringing this approach to the table is the right move by Vrabel.